|  | Diet Nutrition | Nutritional Supplements

Types of Iron Supplements

If you feel fatigued each day despite getting a solid eight hours of sleep the previous night, you may need more iron. The Required Daily Allowance for this mineral is just 18 mg, but low levels can result in muscle weakness, impaired cognition and anemia. Although the best source of iron is red meat, supplements are also effective and often more convenient.

  1. Heme and Nonheme Iron

    • Iron obtained from meat and animal products is termed “heme iron.” The kind found in plants and most iron supplements is “nonheme.” You can consume nonheme supplemental iron in three main forms, each with unique benefits. Additionally, a new type of iron supplement known as a heme iron polypeptide actually supplies heme iron but isn't widely available.

    Ferrous Iron

    • The majority of supplements sold over the counter contain ferrous iron salts that the body absorbs quite easily. Look for the words "ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate and ferrous sulfate" in the "supplement facts" box. Ferrous iron comes in tablets, capsules and liquids.

    Ferric Iron

    • Until recently, ferric iron was regarded as inferior to ferrous iron because of its poor solubility in stomach acid. The body must convert it to ferrous iron before absorbing it in the small intestine. However, a new supplement called iron protein succinylate (IPS) encapsulates ferric iron within a milk protein so that it mimics the readily-absorbed iron in animal food products. Since it is digested in the upper small intestine, the user won’t suffer the upset stomach that often accompanies iron supplements.

    Carbonyl Iron

    • Carbonyl iron is a highly-pure form of iron requiring gastric acid from the stomach to dissolve and convert it to ferrous iron. This results in slower release of iron into the system and increased tolerance for many individuals. Physicians such as Dr. Joseph Mercola, who runs the Natural Health Center in Illinois, noted in a recent online video that this characteristic also makes it less toxic. Since accidental overdose of iron is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under six, he believes it’s the safest form to use with this age group. You’ll find over-the-counter carbonyl iron supplements as well as prescription supplements at most drugstores

    Heme Iron Polypeptide

    • A new generation of oral iron supplements recently emerged known as heme iron polypeptides (HIP). Their benefits include better absorption and fewer side effects than nonheme supplements. The iron is extracted from hemoglobin, which is the part of blood that delivers oxygen to cells. Since hemoglobin occurs naturally in red meat, the body efficiently absorbs it as though you were eating a 10-ounce T-bone. Unlike nonheme supplements, HIPs don’t compete with other nutrients and foods such as calcium, coffee and soy for absorption. Therefore, supplement users experience fewer digestive disturbances. HIPs are available from your doctor or online as a supplement. Other products offer both heme iron polypeptides and nonheme iron in one supplement.

Nutritional Supplements - Related Articles